Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James killed in North Carolina plane crash

Brett James, the Grammy-winning Nashville songwriter behind Carrie Underwood’s hit “Jesus Take the Wheel”, was killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday. He was 57.

Crash near elementary school

Authorities said a Cirrus SR22T went down around 3 pm local time on September 18 in a field west of Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina, FOX 17 and WTVF-TV reported. The aircraft, which had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, carried three people. All died in the crash, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the accident occurred next to the elementary school but emphasised that no pupils or staff were harmed.

“To the parents that have children that attend Iotla school. The students, and staff are safe. There was an airplane accident on the neighbouring property. Again all students and staff are safe,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook.

Emergency responders from Cowee Fire and Rescue and Franklin Fire and Rescue attended the scene. Authorities noted that no fire broke out after impact.

FAA and NTSB investigation

The FAA said in a statement: "A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18. Three people were on board." The agency confirmed it will conduct an investigation alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Flight records indicated the plane was registered to Brett Cornelius, James’s full name being Brett James Cornelius.

Career highlights and legacy

Born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, James initially pursued medicine before switching paths to music. He signed with Arista Nashville’s Career Records in the mid-1990s, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1995.

Over a prolific career spanning more than 500 recorded songs, James wrote 27 No. 1 country radio hits. His credits include Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker’s “When the Sun Goes Down”, Martina McBride’s “Blessed”, Jason Aldean’s “The Truth”, Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All”, and Carrie Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova”.

His most acclaimed work, “Jesus Take the Wheel”, earned Best Country Song at the 49th Grammy Awards in 2007 and was also nominated for Song of the Year.

He also penned Brantley Gilbert’s “Bottoms Up”, Rascal Flatts’ “Summer Nights”, and Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On.”

Tributes from the music community

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, which inducted James in 2020, mourned the loss in a Facebook post. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) also shared condolences, writing: “Brett was a trusted collaborator to country’s greatest names, and a true advocate for his fellow songwriters. Brett, your ASCAP family misses you dearly. Thank you for your unforgettable music.”

Fellow musicians added their voices. Country singer Justin Adams wrote: “The loss of a legend. Brett was always the kindest soul and was a champion for me early on in my career. You never forget people like that. So sad for his family. Praying for them.”

James’s influence extended across genres, with songwriting credits for Bon Jovi, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean and many of Nashville’s biggest stars. Twice named Country Songwriter of the Year, he was regarded as one of the most defining voices in country songwriting through the 2000s and early 2010s.